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Date of Stay: October 2023 Rating: 1.5
Not a lot has changed since the last report. AFL GF long weekend and the place is packed but by lunchtime Sunday most have left. More picnic table shelters have been built and a new public boat ramp is under construction. The stayers are enjoying a lot quieter time.
Date of Stay: October 2023 Rating: 3
Nestled just north of Smythesdale shops this 3 night limit free camp is worth a look. Dump point, water available as well as toilets and showers.
Access to the showers is by code available by contacting the caretaker. Most sites are on a slope but room to spread out. There is a kitchen of sorts and play area.. Envelopes on site to leave a donation at the town post box at the P.O.
Our only issue was we were given about 15 minutes notice from the farmer opposite that he had invited the CFA to do a burn off on his property. Many campers packed up and left because of the smoke.
Date of Stay: September 2023 Rating: 3
Back again for 4 nights. There have been improvements to the walking tracks and paths through the park, otherwise unchanged. New pricing, unpowered $20, powered $35, ensuite $45/n pay 6 stay 7 applies too.
Date of Stay: March 2023 Rating: 1.5
Since my last report this free camp has become extremely popular. By Friday afternoon most of the waterside spots are taken so good luck if you arrive later. There have been some picnic tables added. DELWP are doing a good job maintaining the grounds despite the usual grubs who insist on leaving their rubbish behind. Weekdays are much quieter. This time we are in the tree section before main foreshore camping. We have stayed at this camp for more than 100 nights in total during the past 5 years.
Date of Stay: February 2023 Rating: 4
We returned to this park after many years. Nestled in the valley overlooking Jubilee Lake the attraction is its location. While it does not have the commercialised settings of the big parks that have all the mod cons, the upgrades are a big improvements like good water pressure, robust power poles and drainage. There are still many annual sites but there are more tourist sites than we remember. Amenities are reasonably modern and well maintained. The park has a camp kitchen, dump point and good playground. For those who like birds the peacocks and ducks are friendly and will accept hand feeding - please wild bird seed only. Ok, we paid $40/n on a powered site. Unpowered are also offered as well as onsite accommodation of cabins and caravans. The kiosk has meals and snacks during the day. It was well worth the return visit and yes it is dog friendly. Vibrant Daylesford is about 1.5km from the park.
Date of Stay: May 2022 Rating: 3.5
Back again 7 months later for 5 nights. Still $30/n for a powered site but they have a 7 for 6 deal off peak. Great time of the year to be at the park although it’s chilly overnight.
Date of Stay: December 2021 Rating: 1
Free camp located on Canico Drive, via Cuthberts or Burrumbeet /Hillcrest Rds Bo Peep. This is a popular reserve for locals to fish and enjoy boating etc. The reserve is about 2km along the southern shoreline and has 4 longdrop toilets. No water or other facilities. Nearest shops and fuel are 20km east at Lucas. Ballarat is approx 25km east. Good for as long as you have water on board. Weekends are busy with water skiers otherwise quiet. Some bush camping but be aware of the gums dropping branches. Was previously known as Russell Reserve Caravan Park a long time ago. Now owned by the Dept. Environment Vic. (DELWP)
Date of Stay: October 2021 Rating: 3.5
We returned after 8 years. Standard powered sites are $30/n. Don’t rely on the website for prices. Ok 4 new family cabins since last visit. No changes to the ensuites or the shared facilities which are clean but very old by most standards. 2 laundries, dump point and sites have good water pressure and grey water waste points. The communal kitchen has been rebuilt and has a fridge, microwave, toaster and 2 indoor BBQs as well as a log fire. Ensuite hot water units are being upgraded to continuous gas HW. Currently the lake is full. On the road side of the ensuite site circle, there are now more permanents set up than we remember, but the best ensuite sites are still for tourists.
Date of Stay: June 2020 Rating: 4
Top Park situated on the Gunbower Creek walking distance to the shops. We paid the weekly rate of 7 for 6 being $192 for a powered site. Very big park with many on-site annual vans. Well laid out, 2 separate ablution blocks 2 dump points, pool, jumping pillow and a good playground in the park as well as on the way into town.
No annex slabs but adequate space between the tourist sites. Nice to sit at the edge of the water although it was a bit low at the time of our stay. 30km to Kerang and 60km to Echuca. Clovid restrictions were in place so we didn’t get a chance to use their showers, toilets were open, very clean facilities.
NOTE. There is also a free camp nearby closer to town.
Date of Stay: February 2020 Rating: 3.5
Very tidy park located across the river from the local CBD. $26/night for powered site, en-suite sites are also available too extra cost. 7 for 6 deals. Sites are level most with concrete slabs. Main amenities are immaculate and very modern. Limited laundry only 2 machines. Dump point. Some sites are difficult to back into. Good TV and Phone reception.
Only issue on our stay, the park was 2/3rd empty but operator snuggled everyone in together, while there were plenty of empty sites. One neighbour in a camper van moved for some more private space.
